OK this may be a bit graphic but... In the middle of the day I saw my chickens out running around in the pen. Fenced in and netting on 80% of the top. All was well but about an hour later one was laying on her side. I went in the pen and got her out. I have seen chickens killed by racoon, weasel,fox and possem and rats but aint never seen anything like this. Her whole body was not touched except her head and neck was stripped clean. Skull and neck were there . No beak, no blood anywhere. Feathers around just in a small area about the size of a dinner plate. I looked all around the fence and could not see where anything got in, and there appeared to be no sign of a struggle. I'm stumped. Didn't think to take a pic and she's buried. Thanks, Grump

that's too bad and odd that it was during the day. Could a hawk have gotten in there? i thought racoons went after the head. maybe one was in there and was interrupted before it could finish the grisly job. i'm in the process of setting up a coop and run now. since i'm surrounded by woods i'm sure there will be all kind of wildlife checking out my chickens once i have them in there. i'm hoping the scent of my dog all over the place will help discourage some of these predators from hanging around. we'll see.

The feathers were right next to the fence and she ended up about 8 ft inside. I'm leaning on the rooster doin it, He was kinda edgy for the last week especially a couple of days earlier and now he's just as mellow as all get out. He's a Polish silkey and the others were Rhode Island Reds just about his size (3 months old) Thanks guys. Grump